6 Common Causes Of Blocked Drains And What To Do

Clogged drains can be smelly and costly. Not to mention a massive inconvenience in the household. Blocked drains are also gross – they’re swarming with bacteria and odours. There’s even the chance that it could bring some health issues along, too.

There are many reasons why drains get blocked. Below, we look at the most common causes and what to do about them, but it’s always best to call in the pros from 24/7 Drainage Solutions for expert assistance.

Hair

A build up of hair can quickly clog a drain. Mostly, it’s easy enough to remove, but if you don’t clear the hair immediately, it can cause many issues later on. You can remove small amounts of hair just using your hands. There are also devices on the market designed to grab hold of hair and pull it out the drain.

Plants

Natural debris, such as leaves, and shrubs can also be an issue for your water drains. Even roots from trees can grow underneath, looking for water to stay alive, which means they head straight to your drains. To prevent this from happening, keep your outdoor area clear of fallen debris and leaves. If you leave the mess too long, your drains will become severely clogged. Also, keep trees well-watered so they don’t need to look for sources of moisture.

Grease

Fat and grease also build up in your kitchen sink over time and are common causes of blocked pipes and drains. Grease can be difficult to clear, too. It should be noted that grease does not leave pipes as easily as you may have thought. To avoid your drains becoming blocked with grease, rather place your kitchen fat and grease in a small container and discard in your rubbish bin.

Toiletries

More and more people are disposing of their toiletries down the drain. Items such as baby wipes, nappies and cotton wool are common causes of blocked drains in households. Such items, though, retain water and enlarge, blocking access to pipes and drains. Don’t dispose of toiletries down your drains or toilet. Take them out with the rubbish or use the designated bins in public change rooms.

Broken Pipes

Often, water pipes can break due to wear and tear or tree roots. When a pipe fractures, it becomes susceptible to blockages. If you suspect there are fractures in your pipes, it’s best to call in the professionals to come out and inspect the pipes. You can also check your pipes for visible leaks or water stains on the ceiling.

Foreign Objects

From soap to children’s toys, sanitary items and even food build-up, objects than can be dropped down a drain can lead to an eventual blockage. Whether you’ve dropped something down your drain on purpose or not, many materials should never be flushed down a toilet or washed down the sink. Keep an eye on children who could flush anything down the toilet and make sure you get rid of food scraps and other waste the right way. Also, be wary of anything that could have accidently dropped down a drain and resulted in a blockage.